The relationship between oncologists and parents of children with cancer can be complex and unique, with each family having differing needs. Dr Ren Manias, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Southampton General Hospital and Contact's medical adviser, tells us how open and honest communication between doctors and parents is key to developing trust and understanding, and why this is important.
It is devastating to hear that you have cancer and you will have many different feelings and emotions. Learning about your cancer and what to expect during treatment and beyond can be a helpful way of coping with what's happening to you.
Sophie Hartley was eight years old when diagnosed with bone cancer in 2005. Now 27, she explains how this affected the relationship she has with herself.
Skin cancer (melanoma) in teenagers and young adults (TYA) is on the increase and evidence from young people and their families suggest that they feel isolated, alone and unsupported.
Dr Sarah Evans, Head of Research at CCLG, describes what patient and public involvement (PPI) involves. PPI is about researchers and those who fund research teaming up with people who have personal experience with a health condition. This collaboration helps make sure that research focuses on what really matters to the people it’s meant to help, like patients and their families.
Kelly Scott was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma when she was a teenager in 2001. Now working for Teenage Cancer Trust, she explains how this affected her relationships with her peers and how some simple acts of kindness helped support her.
Teens Unite Fighting Cancer brings together teenagers and young adults living with cancer and its lasting effects. Its CEO, Roxanne Lawrance, explains how surrounding yourself with others in a similar situation can often be helpful during cancer and in the years that follow, and how Teens Unite helps young people do this.
Caroline Cleaver is a proton beam liaison nurse at Manchester Children’s Hospital and CCLG member, whose twin sister was diagnosed with leukaemia when they were 19 years old. She tells us how this inspired her career in children’s cancer nursing and what helps her build relationships with patients and families under her care.
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust (EMCT) takes young people aged eight to 24 years old on free sailing and outdoor adventures to help rebuild their confidence after cancer. Scott Wilson, of the Trust’s communications team, and Rebecca and Simran, two of the young people it’s supported, describe how the trips help bring people with similar experiences together and why that’s important.
Penelope Hart-Spencer is a Health Play Specialist at the Proton Beam Therapy Centre at the Christie in Manchester and a member of the CCLG. In this role, she supports children undergoing cancer treatment who require CT/MRI scans, radiotherapy and proton beam therapy treatments, as well as other clinical procedures.
